Paintball Markers

New paintball players often have a lot of questions about how to buy their first paintball marker. This article is meant to help new players quickly get up to speed. The better fit your gun is for you, the more fun you will have.

General Advice

The biggest mistake new players make is to buy a paintball gun too early. Take time to borrow or rent a variety of markers to see which styles you like, which features are important to you, the size of gun you want, and what feels comfortable to you. You will see that markers come in a variety of types, customized for a variety of players.

Marker Categories

A paintball gun, also called a marker, is the primary piece of equipment used to play paintball. New players may wonder what the difference is between a speedball marker, an X Ball marker, recreational paintball marker, sniper marker, scenario paintball marker, tactical paintball marker, woodsball marker, and other common terms.

The answer is based on the two general game types: speedball and recreational paintball.

Speedball paintball markers are used in a small field, normally filled with colorful bunkers. The games generally take only a few minutes because players are so close to each other. Since speedball players can easily see each other in the small field, speedball guns do not need to be camouflaged. As a result, the markers offer many cool colors and designs. X Ball is simply a type of speedball game, so speedball markers can be used in X Ball. X Ball is a trademarked by the NXL.

Recreational markers, sometimes called “scenario paintball guns,” are used to play a variety of paintball games over large areas including fields and woods. Recreational games have a number of variants. Woodsball is paintball played in the woods. Scenario paintball is played in an area that is similar to the landscape of the particular scenario that is being recreated. Tactical paintball includes a variety of game rules or configurations that reward strategic maneuvers over raw speed.

Recreational paintball markers normally operate the same as speedball markers on the inside. However, they have some external differences. Recreational markers are often dark colors or camouflaged. Also, recreational markers are often made to look like real guns. This means they are sometimes bigger and heavier than speedball guns. In fact, some scenario markers are designed to appear exactly same as guns in historic battles, but the inside of the gun is exactly the same as a speedball gun

Sniper paintball markers are for recreational players who want a marker that shoots and remains more accurate over long distances. Sniper markers often have longer barrels than regular markers. These barrels may also have a texture that causes the paintball to spin, helping the paintball travel greater distances.

Paintball Gun Firing

In addition to general categories of speedball and recreational paintball, markers can be categorized by their firing and trigger modes. Some markers are fully automatic, most are semi-automatic, and some players still enjoy the classic pump action markers that must be re-cocked after each shot. Some markers have a ramping feature which shifts the gun from semi-automatic to fully-automatic when the trigger is pulled at a specified pace.

Marker Features

A marker’s performance can be affected by a number of other factors.

Loader Types. The loader on a marker feeds paintballs into the chamber. Loaders come in a variety of types, including stick fed, gravity fed, agitating, and force fed.

Air Types. Paintballs can be propelled in a variety of ways. Markers typically used CO2 tanks, high pressure air, or gas.

Barrel Types. Barrels come in a variety of types distinguished by their length, bore, and whether they have a texture that causes a paintball to spin.

Prices. Markers can be purchased for as little as $50 or for over $1,000. Most new players pay $150 to $250 for their first marker, which provides sufficient quality and performance for low to moderate competition.

Conclusion

Once you are aware of the marker types, features, and options presented here, you can start considering what marker would be best for you. Try out of few markers to experience how different they are.

Author Information: The author publishes a paintball gun blog that provides paintball gun reviews, paintball commentary, and paintball news. Professionally, the author serves as a licensed Minnesota attorney, assisting businesses and individuals in a variety of legal areas.

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Paintball is a widely recognized sport played by all different kinds of people and even in places such as colleges. However, within the recent years airsoft has come to emerge as a rapidly growing sport and rival to paintball. This has left the question to many aspiring players, “Which is Better?” To fully answer this question one must analyze the different aspects of each sport noting their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Cost: One of the first major differences between airsoft and paintball is the cost. In paintball the cost tends to be higher while in airsoft it’s usually more moderate. A paintball gun, sometimes referred to as a “marker”, can cost anywhere from $150-400 on average. An airsoft gun’s average cost is somewhere between $75-300. While the initial cost of the gun is close the cost of upkeep is not. The sport of paintball uses paintballs as ammunition, these can cost 7-10 times as much as airsoft bbs do. When you take into consideration that most paintball games use up far more ammunition than airsoft, then it really starts to become apparent just how costly it can be. Spending 50 dollars for a days worth of ammo is not uncommon for paintball, airsoft players usually don’t spend more than 20. Another factor to consider in the cost is maintenance: unless you use gas, electric and spring airsoft guns don’t require costly CO2 canisters to function. Paintball guns also need to be cleaned and oiled regularly, although not as necessary, cleaning your airsoft gun isn’t such a bad idea either.

Equipment: A typical setup for a paintball player is a marker, hopper, CO2 canister, extra paintballs, and protective gear. Paintballs being larger than airsoft bbs take up more space and require the use of larger packs to carry them into battle. This is another disadvantage for light travelers. Airsoft players have their airsoft gun, airsoft bbs, and protective gear. The guns for airsoft are also more realistic and lately manufacturers have started adding weight and metal to make them even more so. While both paintball and airsoft players use protective gear, airsoft players use lighter gear than paintball players do. This is easier on the wallet as well as encouraging for those of you allergic to pain. Yes it’s true, paintball does hurt more than airsoft - the common spoken rule is welts for paintball and maybe a few marks for airsoft.

The Game Field: While paintball fields are common, airsoft is a different story. Due to paintball’s popularity it is more widely supported, resulting in more areas to play. The downside is that it’s also more commercialized and it is therefore uncommon to find to find free fields. Airsoft fields are often free to play at, but fewer which may require longer drives to get to. If you play airsoft often though, it can be quite economical compared to paintball. When playing airsoft you also have consider the fact that someone with a 700 dollar gun isn’t going to have much of an advantage over you with your 300 dollar gun. In paintball, the gun’s cost level can make big difference. A paintball field is often setup in a “speedball” layout, a square field with relatively low cover that implements fast paced action. Airsoft fields can cover more ground, are slower in action, and use less ammunition. Players in airsoft also frequently use real military gear as game wear, whereas the paintballers don’t. Unlike paintball, airsoft promotes teamwork and strategy as part of the game. Scenarios such as hostage, rescue, frontline, and many others make airsoft a continually interesting sport to play.

Disadvantages: There are disadvantages in both airsoft and paintball. In paintball it’s the cost and upkeep that is the main obstacle. In airsoft it’s the problem of knowing when another player is out. Since airsoft bbs don’t mark an opponent like paintballs do, airsoft relies more on players’ honesty and integrity. Usually airsoft teams will ban a player that is caught cheating or being dishonest. That does not mean however that there is no cheating in paintball, many players have reported seeing other players “wiping paint like crazy”. In paintball the heavy CO2 canisters can prevent swift movement and when combined with the top mounted hopper can be outright obstructive.

So which is better?: In comparison, airsoft can seem like a great choice for a low budgeted beginning action sport enthusiast. Then again some people prefer paintball because of it’s faced paced adrenaline inducing action. The choice in the end is really up to your particular style. Although I would have to say that during this economic decline airsoft is bound to see an increase in popularity.

Helpful Links: Airsoft Forum
Airsoft Guns

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Do you do your part? Paintball gun safety is a responsibility of every player. It is up to you to practice the proper safety procedures and also to help others follow the guidelines. Just because other players are not following the rules should not be an excuse for you to do the same. Proper safety techniques are the responsibility of every player.

When most players think of paintball safety they only consider the importance of wearing a mask or goggles while they are engaged in actual play. This is a common mistake and can lead to other injuries on and off the field.

When you consider all that is involved with complete paintball gun safety you quickly learn that it is far more involved than just wearing your goggles. To be a responsible paintball player requires commitment and an on-going effort to ensure safety for yourself and the other players. You must be informed, educated, and willing to practice proper safety procedures every time you take the field.

We will detail some important areas such as: face and eye protection (goggles), body protection (chest protectors, gloves, and neck guards), paintball gun velocity (fps=feet per second), chronographs, referees, barrel plugs and barrel socks, and the importance of your on-gun safety device.

To protect your body you will need an approved paintball goggle or mask. The job of the goggle is to protect your eyes and face from the impact of a paintball. Since most paintball guns are suppose to shoot at a regulated velocity of 265-300 fps, the impact of this force could damage your eyes. The problem arises when many players are shooting “hot” (above the regulated limit). Often times players do not know they are shooting above the limit because they have never used a chronograph to measure the speed of the paintball as it exits the barrel of their marker. This is very important and should never be overlooked. Shooting at an excessively high velocity can cause serious injury.

Paintball goggles come in many different designs and colors. Some cover only your face, while other can also cover your ears, neck and even your entire head. The most important thing is to choose a goggle that fits you properly and offers at least eye and face protection.

Paintball goggles have a lens which allows you to see clearly but is designed to protect your eyes from the impact of a paintball. The lens can be one of two types: a standard single-pane (non-thermal) lens which means it may “fog” during play or the lens can be a dual-pane (thermal) lens which means it is less likely to fog. Small, battery-powered, fans can also be added to the goggles to help prevent fogging while playing. Some paintball goggles, such as the Invert 20/20 goggle system includes a thermal lens and a fan both. This combination will provide the greatest level of anti-fog protection.

One of the most dangerous things a paintball player can do is removing his/her goggles during a game or at anytime he/she is not in a designated safe zone. It may seem like common sense not to remove your eye protection while playing but many players do this because their lens has “fogged up” and they cannot see. Lenses can develop fog due to heat/moisture/sweat from your body.

A single-pane lens is notorious for developing fog, whereas a dual-pane or thermal lens is much less likely to develop fog much the same way the windows in your house do not develop fog. With a dual-pane (thermal) lens there are actually two lenses separated and sealed by a barrier to trap air in between. This design is nearly fog resistant and typically the best and safest choice when choosing a paintball mask.

A traditional single-pane goggle can range from $19 to $39 while a thermal goggle can range from $39 to $129 or more. Although the cost can be higher the thermal lens not only keeps you safe it makes playing more fun because you do not have worry about your goggles “fogging up”. One player even said that he had rather have the worst paintball gun and the best set of goggles than to have the best paintball gun and worst set of goggles. The truth is that if you cannot see then you cannot play.

One counter-measure to the fog that develops on single-pane goggles is the use of a liquid called “anti-fog” or “fog-off” spray. This is sprayed onto the lens before a game starts and can help to reduce the amount of fog that develops. It is not full proof but for the average $5 per bottle price it is better than the alternative.

Goggles are one of the single most import safety requirements in paintball, however, they are not the only link in the safety chain. For the utmost level of safety to be achieved there are other areas to consider.

Also for body protection many players choose to wear a chest/back protector, a neck guard, full head cover, and gloves. Although none of these items are required they do help to lessen the “sting” of the paintball and can prevent bruising and pain in the more sensitive areas. These extra measures can be especially helpful for new and younger players.

As mentioned above, a chronograph is also an important device that plays a role in overall paintball gun safety. A chronograph is an electronic device that measures the velocity (speed of the paintball as it exits your barrel measured in fps or feet per second). The chronograph can be hand-held or table mounted. The paintball player shoots a paintball through the designated area of the chronograph. The chronograph will then display a reading or measurement to show how hard your gun is firing. Once you know the current velocity at which your paintball gun is shooting you can then adjust up or down to reach the desired level. Most paintball guns have a velocity screw located on the side or back of the marker which requires an allen tool to adjust.

Consult your owners manual for how to properly adjust your guns velocity. As a general rule of thumb, most organized paintball fields require your velocity to be set between 265fps to 300fps. Check with your local field for their specific guidelines. Indoor and smaller sized fields may require a lower velocity while outdoor and larger fields may allow a higher velocity. Note that it may be very dangerous to turn your velocity up too high. You could cause serious injury to yourself and/or other players and it may cause your paintball gun to not function properly or offer decreased accuracy and even break the paintballs inside the barrel.

Yet another over-looked area of paintball gun safety is the barrel plug or barrel sock. These are devices that are designed to cover or block the end of the paintball gun barrel to prevent a paintball from exiting the barrel if the trigger is accidentally pulled. It is important to always use your barrel plug or barrel sock at anytime when you are not on the actual field.

This also brings up another area of concern - the actual safety device on the paintball gun. All paintball markers have a safety to prevent the gun from firing. This safety can be mechanical or electronic depending on your specific paintball gun. A mechanical safety is typically a button that you press in one direction which prevents the trigger from being pulled, usually located on the side of the gun just above the trigger. An electronic safety is usually a button that you press to deactivate the firing option. It is critical that you always have your safety “on” when not in actual game play and anytime you are not on the actual field.

Remember that injury can occur not only on the field but off the field as well. Keeping your gun on safety and always using your barrel plug / barrel sock will greatly help reduce the chances of misfiring your paintball gun when not intended.

Finally, we will discuss the importance of a referee. A field “ref” as they are commonly called is an individual who is on the field during game play but not engage in the competition itself. His/her only job is to enforce the rules so that everyone is safe and the game is played in a fair manner. A referee can advise players of safety concerns, call players out when they are “hit”, and manage the flow of the game play and events. It is always a good idea to have at least one designated referee to ensure the safety and fun of everyone playing. The referee can also carry a chronograph with him to check the players gun velocity before and during the game.

The best way to promote paintball gun safety is to learn the correct way to play and lead by example. If you are doing everything correctly then other players will learn by your example. If everyone has a safe day of play then it is more fun, but if even one person gets injured it can end the entire day of play for everyone. Be smart and be safe. Practice the proper paintball gun safety techniques on and off the field.

For more information about paintball goggles, paintball safety gear, chronographs, and paintball guns visit Battle Gear Inc or view our paintball gun section for a complete listing of all the paintball gear we offer.

Jamie Hopkins
Battle Gear Inc

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Paintball has officially returned to the woods. More people are playing scenario and woodsball than ever before. The industry has become flooded with military style markers, tactical paintball vests and camo accessories. Many people are buying base model paintball guns or converting their current guns to be used in the woods. This article will discuss some of the most important accessories you will need to build a sniper paintball gun that’s ‘battle ready’.

Paintball Barrel - Woods or speedball, a paintball barrel is typically the first upgrade anyone makes to a paintball gun. An upgraded barrel offers the most drastic change in performance allowing you to achieve further, more accurate shots. Barrels come in sizes ranging from 8 inches to 22 inches. Barrel porting and muzzle breaks are usually added to the design of higher-end barrels to control air flow and offer a better transition for the paintball as it exits the barrel. Some manufacturers incorporate rifling in their barrels. Rifled barrels use very shallow linear or spiral grooves on the surface of the inner bore of the barrel to either restrict or create spin on the paintball. This is believed to help resist the factors that affect a paintball during flight and the inherent flaws of the paintball itself.

In many cases, you get what you pay for when purchasing a paintball barrel. Spend a little extra on this upgrade. More expensive barrels are better milled and have spent more time in development and testing. Find a size that will accommodate add-ons like a hand guard, mock suppressor or sight. Better quality barrels will normally have their bore size indicated making ‘paintball to barrel’ matching easier. The right paint match is critical to a barrel’s performance.

Paintball Stock - A paintball stock will definitely add to the look of a sniper paintball gun but the importance of one extends much further. A stock will help add stability when shooting your marker. It also helps to reduce fatigue since less energy is used to support and shoot the paintball gun when it is stationed against a fixed point. Many stocks on the market either collapse or fold to the side of the gun. This is important in scenario events in which you will encounter both open field and close quarter shooting. Stocks are also important because they offer a mounting point for a sling which will be discussed below. Stock can be either gun specific or universal. Gun-specific stocks are made to attach uniquely to a specific gun model. Universal stocks will typically attach to a trigger frame or bottle adapter, parts normally found on all paintball guns.

Tactical Paintball Vest - Although not a specific gun part, a good tactical paintball vest will allow you to store what you need at all times in the woods. Many of the Molle-based systems offer the flexibility of adding different accessory pouches. You can rebuild your vest each time you go out carrying only what you need for that specific event. Many vests also incorporate a hydration system which can really make a difference on hot days. Find a vest with bottle carrying capacity. Most vests have the ability to hold an air tank in either the vertical or horizontal position as well as pods or tubes in an easy to reach place. Being able to relocate your tank is crucial to reducing the weight of your paintball gun and maintaining gun balance.

Paintball Remote - Remotes allow you to relocate your paintball tank to an off-gun site usually in a tactical vest or harness. This reduces gun weight and size, allowing you to react faster and move quicker. Remote lines are usually in the form of a coil similar to a phone cord. This allows the line to coil up and extend staying out of the way of the shooter at all times. All remotes attach at the gun via a quick disconnect which makes airing-up and degassing your paintball gun a snap. Find a remote line with a slide check. A slide check will allow you to disconnect your remote from your gun while your remote is still attached to your air source. Sliding the collar on the slide check will stop the air flow when you disconnect your gun from the remote line.

Paintball Scopes - Scopes or sights are not always used in paintball because people often have the wrong conception of them. Magnified sights are difficult to use in paintball due to the speed of the game and obstruction of paintball goggles. A good non-magnified red dot paintball sight is a must for a sniper paintball gun. These sights are designed to allow the shooter to achieve fast target acquisition. The red dot is projected within the scope itself. It does not project outside the scope in front of the paintball gun. Users are able to achieve a complete view of the area in front of them using the red dot as a focal point. Paintball scopes are available in many different shapes, sizes and mounting specifications. Choose a scope with a red dot intensity adjustment, dot location adjustment and with the proper mounting capabilities to fit your paintball marker. Most paintball markers will accept either a 3/8 inch or standard weaver scope mount.

Paintball Sling - The paintball sling is a very important, underused item in the woods. Scenario markers can be a bit on the heavy side. Having a sling will greatly reduce fatigue. Many slings are made to allow your marker to comfortably hang from your body in a ready position. Slings vary in their attachments points. 2 and 3 point slings offer the greatest degree of adjustability. A 1 point paintball sling usually attaches at the rear of the marker or stock and is the least obstructive to the operation of the marker.

Dan Klaas - Owner of ROCKSTAR Tactical Systems

At ROCKSTAR Tactical, you can find all the latest scenario paintball guns, parts and accessories. We have the parts you need to build the ultimate Sniper Paintball Gun. Have a Tippmann A5 and looking for Tippmann A5 Parts? We got’em! Join the thousands and trust RTS for all your woodsball and scenario paintball needs!

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